Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy. Although breast reconstruction can rebuild your breast, the results are highly variable:

A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feel as the breast it replaces.

Visible incision lines will always be present on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy.

Certain surgical techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site, commonly located in less exposed areas of the body such as the back, abdomen.

Procedure: Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease.

Length: Length varies; Usually involves more than one operation

Anesthesia: First stage almost always general; follow-up procedures may require only a local anesthesia

In/Outpatient: In the hospital or outpatient depending on the procedure.

Side Effects: Can include temporary discomfort, scarring; change in breast sensation -some may eventually come back